Run G-Code in reverse?

[neeboy]

Before I get even more wound up....does anyone know if Mach 3 can run G-Code in reverse?  More specifically, when running one of my foam milling programs, could I start the G-Code from the end and run the program in reverse?  Are there any physical ramifications cutting-wise?

-MattN

[Kevin Crowley]

It just puts everything back where it found it.

[neeboy]

Har har....no share of the windfall profits 4 u mr sassy pants :p

-MattN

[Kevin Crowley]

I will have you know that my pants have never sassed me.  I have them well trained and every day they stand in the corner patently waiting for me to put them on.

[Tom Gralewicz]

I don't think you can run it in reverse, the statements selecting tool, speed, origin, etc.  are placed in order in the file.

I have found problems starting a g-code file in the middle since moves can be relative to the last position instead of absolute.

Tom

--
Tom Gralewicz
Miller Electronics Recycling
(414) 380-1716
www.deadcomputers.com

[Jim Rawson]

In addition, you would be making the deeper cuts before the more shallow ones!

[Pete Prodoehl]

Aren't g-code files just sets of commands, one per line, in a text file?

Seems like you could write some code to reverse things, leaving alone
the bits that need to be left alone.


Pete

> www.deadcomputers.com <http://www.deadcomputers.com>

[Jim Rawson]

Or you could try this ...

http://www.microproto.com/software.htm

[Matt Czapar]

One thing to think about too, is that the inside vs. outside cuts are done in different directions (Clockwise vs. Counter-Clockwise).  I'm given to understand it is to leave the cleanest edge on the side that you want.  So, if you do run it backwards, it may effect negative change in the end result.

[the_digital_dentist]

Now I'm thinking about a 3D printer that would run G-code in reverse and deposit material on an item previously carved by a CNC router to reconstruct to the block from which it was originally carved.   The applications boggle the mind!